Junagarh Fort of Bikaner was built by Raja Rai
Singh, one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, in 1587. The
fort is surrounded by a high wall and deep moats. There are 37 bastions
guarding the fort with only two gates as the entrance pathway to the
fort, the main one being the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate. The Junagarh
Fort has yet been unconquered excepting the brief victory of Kamaran,
which he could not retain for more than 24 hours.Just like the 37 bastions, there are 37 red sandstone marvels inside the premises of the fort, which include palaces with intricately carved windoes, delicate balconies, towers and kiosks, temples and pavilions. The highlights are the Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace decorated beautifully with mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels, the Phool Mahal or the Flower Palace, the Karan Mahal and definitely the multi-storeyed Anup Mahal, which was once used as the governance chambers for the rulers. Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal or Victory Palace, and Rang Mahal or Color Palace are also fine examples of the splendid architecture. The fort also houses a museum with an extensive collection of illuminated and rare manuscripts, jewellery, utensils, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and other royal paraphernalia.
